Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia? If you're planning to go to Great Barrier Reef, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Great Barrier Reef
- Important essentials for Great Barrier Reef
- Activities for Great Barrier Reef
- Great Barrier Reef in January: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in February: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in March: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in April: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in May: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in June: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in July: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in August: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in September: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in October: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in November: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Based on the climate and weather in Great Barrier Reef, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Great Barrier Reef, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can become worn. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. This one should work in most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Great Barrier Reef. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
What to wear/what to pack for Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region can be sweltering and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
February
If you vacation in Great Barrier Reef during February, you are likely to find that it is consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
March
March in this region is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
April
If you go to Great Barrier Reef in April, you will notice that it is hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
May
If you vacation in Great Barrier Reef during May, you might notice that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
June
If you are traveling to Great Barrier Reef in June, you will notice that it is warm and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
July
July in Great Barrier Reef is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
August
August here is warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
September
If you vacation in Great Barrier Reef during September, you are likely to see that it is warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
October
October in this region is hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
November
November in Great Barrier Reef can be very hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
December
If you vacation in Great Barrier Reef during December, you might notice that it is really hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also cleans contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
Activities for Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Great Barrier Reef.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Romulus, Michigan, United States of America, Quepos, Costa Rica, Pewsey, England, United Kingdom, Kissimmee, Florida, United States of America, Bogotá, Colombia, Cle Elum, Washington, United States of America, Nata, Botswana, Reedsport, Oregon, United States of America, Brae, Scotland, United Kingdom, Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia, and Marshall, Minnesota, United States of America.